20 December 2020
I served with Barrie in the Princess Louise Fusiliers for several years. This included time on Citadel Hill in “The Guard” and a NATO Reforger Exercise  in Germany in 1975 that included an R&R trip to Munich for an Octoberfest weekend. 
Barrie was a real professional, a “soldier’s soldier”, a great leader and manager and devoted to military service. While we lost touch in the early ‘80s I never forgot about him and the time we served together.  I am just learning the sad news about Barrie’s death. What a great loss to his family, the Canadian military and the many thousands of soldiers that Barrie trained and led over his decades of service.
While I am late learning this news I want to acknowledge his friendship and service to Canada. I also want to pass on my condolences to his family.

Barrie was my grandfather his nickname for me was bre and I know that he was In fact kindhearted and generous and I know that he's in a better place now
Rest in peace grampey I love you
Breanna Cosby

I was sorry to hear of your passing today Barrie.  I always enjoyed working out and talking with you  at the gym which was quite regularly for a number of years and remember spotting you lifting some pretty heavy weights. I hadn't been there for a few years now and wondered different times how you were doing and had I known of your illness I would have loved to have visited you. Nice to see on here that so many thought of you as I did. Will miss you Barrie.

My first section commander in gagetown, an excellent leader. Pro Patria. (Firlotte).

My deepest sympathy to Brian and Doug, and also to Barrie's wife and family. I have fond memories of the summers,  when the Pitcairn family, would come to PEI, to spend time at our family farm. Thinking of you at this sad time.

Great service. Good to see som manay from the Regiment. Rest in peace bro. Fideliter.

It is with great sorrow that I must share with your family upon learning of William's (Barrie's) passing. I first met Barrie when I became a member of the PLF in 1978. At first a very intimidating, demanding Sergeant, but after he let you into his space, a very gentle, generous and as many of the testiments say professional soldier and gentleman. He had this twinkle in his eyes, or that certain curl to his mouth wwhenever you knew he was kidding around. He taught me how to be a soldier as non others could, and was not unlike an older brother to me for the short period of time our paths had crossed. We continued to work at the Halifax Citadel after the PLF in 1979 and 1980, and we were that close to joining the RCR together, but our paths diverted, sadly at that time, and only a few times had I bumped into William since, both too long time ago.
My condolences to your family, and in his memory...

An honest man here lies at rest,
The friend of man, the friend of truth,
The friend of age, and guide of youth:
few hearts like his, with virtue warm'd,
Few heads with knowledge so inform'd;
If there's another world, he lives in bliss;
If there is none, he made the best of this.

Rest in Piece my friend.

Cpl, PLF
Army Schoolmaster, Parks
Glen A Gibson

Barrie,you have left us but we will remember you. An excellent soldier and gentleman. God be with you.
Dave Ells, Petawawa

Valerie,
my heartfelt condolences to you and your family.  I had the honour of being one of his many friends.  I found very early in our friendship that he could make the best and come up with a solution very quickly, out of situations that had gone profoundly pearshaped.  I'd look at him with a look of, how do you do that, and I got that smile of his.
I have an understanding of your profound loss, please belive me that time heals, you will feel better.

My deepest condolences to you, Mrs. Pitcairn, and your family. It was an honor to have known and served with Sgt Pitcairn in Aldershot. He always had a smile, a laugh, and quiet words of wisdom to pass along. My day always seemed brighter, even after exchanging just a few words with him. He always made me smile and laugh. He will be missed, but most importantly, he will be remembered by all who knew him and whose lives he touched.

Doug and Brian
Our condolences to you and your family.
              Arthur and Frances Lewis
                Oleary P.E.I.

I was Barrie's 2IC when I first started instructing in Aldershot, then he was my Platoon WO. Barrie was a great mentor and was always a pleasure to work with. I will always remember Barrie as a strong well rounded soldier that really understood leadership and team work. My deepest condolences to Valerie and the rest of Barrie's family. 
Julianno Scaglione

Barrie it was great to have worked with you friend. RIP

Sgt Pitcairn was my Section Commander in Yugoslavia
He was a good man.
He will be missed

Cpl D. Purdy

Doug and Brian;
Kay and I were shocked and saddened to hear of Barrie's passing. With Barrie serving in the military in Eastern and Central Canada and myself being a military and airline pilot in Western Canada, we haven't spent much time together. However, with my father Clunie and Barrie's father Andrew being brothers, it creates a strong sense of family for us and Barrie's passing becomes very personal. Kay and I send condolences to both of you and to Valerie at this sad time.

Robert (Bob) and Kay Pitcairn

My condolences and prayers go out to the family.
I remember Barrie well. He came to the 2nd Bn in 1980 when I was the RSM.
Very quickly we saw the leadership potential and he was promoted to MCpl well ahead of others. He was indeed a great leader and a respected soldier by both his subordinates and superiors alike. He will be missed by the Regimental family. Rest in peace Royal, you have served your country well.
Ken Zinck, CWO (r'etd)

Valerie,
My deepest condolences go out to you and your family. Barrie was a well respected soldier. I had the privilege to serve with him during his time with the Nova Scotia Highlanders as well as several summers in Aldershot. He had a good heart and will be missed. We will remember him.
Major Colin Todd
DCO 1 NS Highrs

I was shocked and sad to hear of the passing of my childhood friend. Although it has been many years since we have connected, it seems like yesterday that he, his brother Brian, my brother Paul and I were into everything imaginable as we grew up in Stewiacke, and later in Dartmouth. My condolences to his family, including his brothers Brian and Doug.  Mark Dickie

In 1999 Sgt Pitcairn was my section commander on basic infantry officer training. He was professional and patient taking time to ensure we were well trained. The advice he gave me one day in the halls of the infantry school were so impactful I continue to use it in my RCMP career. I wish I had thanked him for being such a positive role model - he was an outstanding leader.
                                                                                Cst David Lane

Mrs. Pitcairn my wife Mary and I offer our Prayers and Deepest Condolence on this Sad moment in your lives. We served together in K Coy.2 R.C.R during the OKA Crisis in Montreal. Barrie was a Fine Professional Soldier that all your Family can be very Proud of . Pro patria

My condolences to the family and friends of Barrie Pitcairn.  RIP Soldier and know that you will be remembered.

Barrie will be missed by many, I extend my condolences to his family.

I an very sorry to hear of Barrie passing.  I have not been in touch with him since he left Musquodoboit Harbour.  You all are in my thoughts and prayers.

My heart goes out to Valarie and all of Barry's family.  He was a mentor to me in both my professional and personal life, and more than that he was my friend.  I am forever proud to have known and served with such a great man.

Siol Na Fear Fearail

Valerie, our condolences to you & your family on Barrie's passing.  Barrie was always generous of his time & advice, a great friend and great leader. He had such a sense of humor; you rarely had a conversation with him that didn't involve a good laugh. It was an honor to serve with him during his time with WNSR. He will be missed.

my deepest condolences to Valerie and family. Barry was a mentor to many young soldiers. I am glad I had the privilege to work with him and receive his guidance. Gordon Arsenault

I was very saddened to read of Barrie's passing. He was one of my 1st section commanders back in 1995 when I first got to the regular force(K-Coy, Anti-Armour Platoon). He was a very keen, knowledgeable, gentle leader. He was very well respected by me and any others around him. My condolences to all Family and friends. RIP Barrie.

It has been an honor to serve with Barry on operation, in the RCR's and again in Aldershot NS. You have left a lasting impression to everyone you touched, and will sadly be missed.  Valerie my deepest sorrow to you and your family.

So sorry to hear of Sgt. Pitcairn's passing. My condolences to his family. Be sure, he will be deeply missed by all West Novas and everyone who knew and respected him. Semper Fidelis

Barrie was a giant gentle soul, he made my day everytime I spoke with him.  My heart goes out to his family.

Angela Chiasson (Aldershot, NS)

 My heart felt  thoughts and prayers are with Barrie's family during this difficult time. I met Barrie in 1982 when we served together with 3 RCR Baden Germany and later with 2 RCR in 1990. The one thing that struck me about Barrie  even when things where going sideways at times he had 
the knack to keep everything together. I will miss his sense of humor the most. It was an honor to know and serve with him. Keith Mac Innis (Woodstock Ontario)

Val,
My heart goes out to you and yours hoping the pain fades fast and the memories last forever.
Barrie was my mentor in the 90's on tour with 2RCR. We shared all the things of life there, professionally and personnally. Barrie even took his free time to teach me some German so I would be able to order beer and food at the gaushus. I still have his hand written notes to this day. 
A more professional caring leader you will not find, at least not to Barrie's standard. 
I thank you Barrie for your example as a soldier, a leader and a friend.
Brad Rogers
The RCR, fmr WNSR.

It is with a heavy heart I read of Barrie's passing this morning. I served with Barrie in the WNSR. As mentioned in earlier entries, Barrie was a true gentleman and always a professional soldier.  My thoughts and prayers are with his family at this difficult time.  RIP Barrie.

Barry, we first met and worked together in Gagetown.I don,t know of many others who were so down to earth and easy going as you. Its been a pleasure to know you, you will be sadly missed my old friend. RIP.

Barrie Pitcairn is a name, face and Regimental Brother that I have never forgotten and will always remember.  After having worked with Barrie on many occasions it is with pride that I say he was a great man that served this Country with extraordinary distinction and dedication.  This was only seconded by his devotion to his Family.  Until we meet again as Brothers in Arms, RIP Barrie

Valerie, you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. It was a privilege and an honour to work with Barrie, he was an incredible leader and a great friend to both of us. His honest and often humourous look on life were the highlights of many a day.Kyle has often wished for more conversations with 'grampy' Barrie. He will be sorely missed by us all.
 Sgt Brian Leonard , Connie Brown and Kyle Brown

Hi Valerie, Robert. Jillian, Family: David and I are very sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with you all at this time.  Barry was a wonderful person and he touched so many lives.  He will be missed
Gwen & David MacDonald

To brother Dough and family...we wish to express our codolences. So very sorry to read that your brother "Barrie"has passed on. 
From Paul & Ethel Toman

Will taught me on several courses at Aldershot and we hit it off right away which is not unusual given his gentle demeanor and patience when it came to teaching.  He was larger then life and none of us would dare question his orders in fear of letting "the old dog out of the cage" lol. He was a great man, an inspiring instructor, and I was privileged to have been graced with his presence. May God grant him eternal peace and may his family find solace during this difficult time! 

Mike Legge
Newfoundland

Barrie, it was an honour to have had the chance to work for you with WNSR, you were a constant example of the soldier we all should strive to be.

Thank you Sgt. Pitcairn for teaching me the ropes when I first joined the West Novies. Your kindness, patience and great leadership will not be forgotten. Semper Fidelis

Sgt Pitcairn, my friend, lead by great  example. May all the lessons taught by him, be forever remembered and passed on. Valerie, I am very sorry for your loss. Barry,  I will miss you my friend.

RIP my brother to young to be gone Barry Heart out to your family at this time  

Pro Patria  my friend

Prayer go out to the Family of Will he was a good man RIP my Friend

Prayer go out to the Family of Berry he was a good man RIP my Friend

Dear Valerie, my deepest condolences for your tremendous loss.  It is with a heavy heart I write to you tonight. I pray my good friend Barrie passed peacefully and you and he got to say farewell.  I was a little speechless yesterday when I first heard the news from Wade Hunter. I can only say that when I spoke to Barrie in November he gave me the sense I would see him again in the summer. He was positive and very optimistic about his medical condition and hoped to get back to the gym soon.
Valerie, Barrie and I spent many years together in CFB Gagetown, countless nights in the training area on exercise and a demanding tour to Bosnia in 92-93. I work with him several months at the Infantry school also. What I remember most about Barrie, he was a true gentlemen.  He always put his family first and supported his friends even when the chips were down.  If I were to guess, I would say he was somewhat like a big brother to many of us in Anti-Armour Platoon.  Barrie's troops looked up to him like their dad and Barrie looked after them like his children.
Valerie, after reading Barrie's obituary there were a few thing I didn't know about him, he had an outstanding Career and accomplished many things throughout the years. He will be sadly missed by his family and friends. I hope you can find some comfort in these words and know Barrie was a well-respected soldier and most of all good friend.
Wallace and Marlene Rideout ; Kingston, Ontario

Sergeant Pitcairn was an excellent Senior NCO who led by example. His characteristic of putting service before self was a trait that caused all ranks to admire him. He helped to establish a high standard for the many young soldiers who looked up to him. I offer my sincere sympathy to the family he leaves behind. 
J. Ron Stonier, Col (ret'd)

Nicest SNCO I ever knew and extremely smart, going to miss you buddy.

Sgt Pitcairn, You were the one of the most generous people I have ever met.  Always professional, a leader to the troops, you were the standard. A loyal soldier I am honoured to have served with. 
Adjt West NS Regt Capt Kirk Johnson

Sgt Pitcairn, You were the one of the most generous people I have ever met.  Always professional, a born leader, you were the standard. I am honoured to have served with you and humbly wished I could have got in to see you last week, but maybe I will see you again in some other time and place. Pro Patria. My condolences to Valerie and your family.   
West NS Regt Capt Kirk Johnson

Barry, I feel very honoured to have worked with you.  You were not only a  great mentor but a friend.  I hope your at peace my friend, you will be greatly missed by myself and Chad (Vinny). 

Both former mbr's of Delta Company, 2 RNFLDR

  Barrie ,it was an honor to serve with you in 2 RCR, and abroad,you will be dearly missed by all your comrades  Thoughts and prayers to all family members ,and friends,   RIP Barrie you were a great soldier and friend to all. Pro Patria.

Barrie, you were a consummate professional who led by example. You were a friend and mentor with a keen sense of what is right. You touched many with your guidance and wisdom. Your strength set the stage for our tours in Croatia and on to Bosnia.
Val and family, thank you for sharing Barrie with us on the tours. Please know that Jeanice and I share in your loss and were glad to make the small visit while we could.

Pro Patria 
Semper Fidelis

Wade Hunter
MWO 
The RCR
Former Member WNSR

RIP, Barrie you will be missed by us all rest in peace, brother of arms.

I first met Barrie in 1980 while working for Parks Canada. His strong character and principled manner left a lasting impression. I was always happy to cross paths with him over the years, both in and out of the army. God rest you Barrie. I know that you will continue to inspire, as you always have.

- Mark Hubley

Its hard to say farewell to someone so special as Barrie. Im proud to have served with him as a Novie. His strength was not from the size of his arms, rather the size of his heart. He would always stop when asked a question and took time to answer it. He was a mentor to many and friend to many more. It was an honor and privilege to have served with you. RIP Barrie, you will not be forgotten ... semper fidelis !

Barrie, you were one of the best soldiers I'd ever met. It had been my honour to know you and to have served with you.

Richard Mills
MWO
West NS Regt

OBITUARY

William "Barrie" James Pitcairn

21 March, 1954 – 3 February, 2014

A.L. Mattatall Funeral Home

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